–not your momma's goulash–

Return of the Rookie

I’ll admit it guys, I’m in the weeds this holiday season. Weeded. Wee-to-the-DED. And not in a good way. If you know what I mean by “in the weeds”, you have probably worked as a server in a busy restaurant. If you haven’t, then I don’t know you.

Basically, I’m overwhelmed. Who isn’t? The lofty plans I had for handmade do-dads for every teacher and person my kid high-fives are probably not gonna happen. The cookies? Sorry, you’ll have to settle for chocolate dipped pretzel rods… and I’m pretty sure my girl had her tongue in sprinkles before they were sprinkled. Handmade dresses or jammies? Maybe in time for Chinese New Year.

Ya, sure, we celebrate that.

I think I’m starting to get that if you are a parent of children (sorry, dogs don’t count) then you’ve got to get your Christmas act together in September. Get organized, and get cracking! Or, you can just be normal, and chill out and relax. But no! I can’t! Jessica said it first and said it best, “Craftiness is Not Optional“. Best blog name in blogland. Cause its so freaking true.

Crafters are just not normal.

So, I figured that instead of blogging about sewing bias tape on a tree skirt, *yawn*, I’d introduce you to a little someone special…

Our new nephew, Brady!

Isn’t he adorable? He arrived 5 weeks early (November 3, MY birthday!), and was healthy, and cherubic even! We really hope to get our hands on him soon.

You might remember meeting Brady’s Mom, our big sister Erika, in this post from a while back, when she surprised, okay, shocked us all by learning how to sew during a summer visit. Since many of you have wondered what became of the “Rookie Seamstress” (okay, well at least Kristin inquired ;)- girl you always got our back!) I’m here with the update!

Guess what? She made this.

A hospital gown so that she could deliver Brady in style!

Over the course of a year or so, Erika has sewn a little with her machine- more bibs, a pair of toddler pants. But, when she found out she was expecting #2, she was on a mission to duplicate a handmade hospital gown that she was given a few years ago before her #1. Erin and I each borrowed said gown for our #3s. It really does make you feel special to change into something with a pop of color while you are snuggling up to your brand new baby and paparazzi is in full force. There’s a little Kardashian in all of us, no?

In order to create this green gown, Erika pretty much deconstructed the gifted one to get a basic pattern.

Its a pretty basic shape, but, she had to figure out the snaps and openings which got a little tricky for her.

Erika got some help from our mom with the finishings, and she might have declared that she would NEVER SEW AGAIN, but seriously, how good is this? Please help us convince her not to Craigslist her machine!

By the way, these photos were taken this summer when E was visiting. I wanted her to guest blog like she did the first time, her perspective is so blunt honest, but she just kept avoiding me when I’d ask. Its not for everyone.

Maybe looking back on this project after its been a few months, will help her to realize how great of a job she did. Its empowering to make a wearable garment! Awesome work Erika- on that gown, and even more so, on this little guy!

Oh I know that expression well! Somehow it brings back great memories! I love this post so much! I hear ya, girl! And way to go on making a sister convert to the world of sewing. There’s no turning back now.

You all shared a handmade hospital gown? What a super fun, sweet sister thing. I hope that gown is preserved…it’ll hopefully get passed down for your girls to share. More precious than a wedding gown, in my personal opinion! Yea grandbaby #7? for Kate!